SAFER neighbourhoods police numbers will not be reduced if plans by local bosses are approved.

Quieter areas could see their community teams lose officers to tougher wards but the total number of cops in the safer neighbourhoods system will not drop, under proposals submitted to the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA).

Chief Inspector Nick Davies, of Harrow Police, said: “We have made a decision in Harrow that we are not going to reduce the numbers.”

He said teams in quieter wards like Pinner, Hatch End and Headstone, which at times sees half the demand of busier areas, will combine, sharing resources and freeing up personnel.

The extra officers will go to special units in high crime zones, including Wealdstone and Marlborough, where police have greater problems with issues like anti-social behaviour.

Chief Inspector Davies said: “That's the bit I'm most excited by, that's the bit that I think can help us the most.”

The system would be run through a community board, which would be made from existing community representatives on safer neighbourhoods ward panels.

Chief Superintendent Dal Babu, borough commander for Harrow, said, in a blog on the Harrow Times website panel chairs had already endorsed the proposals.

He said: “I am pleased to say that the chairs of the Safer Neighbourhoods ward panels endorsed the proposal, however I must stress that no final decisions have been made.

“We await guidance from the MPA as to the future model for Harrow.”

Harrow Police are expecting a response from the MPA by April.